Alex Green: Cedric Benson's Injury Makes Packers' RB a Must Pickup

Alex Green, meet the world, the world Alex Green, because he's the fantasy football universe's next big waiver wire pickup.

The Green Bay Packers' second-year back saw his first large chunk of NFL action on Sunday after starter Cedric Benson left the game with a leg injury.

And the young back took full advantage of his opportunity.

In just under three quarters of work, Green rushed for 55 yards on nine carries, including a 41-yard burst in the fourth quarter that almost went for a touchdown.

Green displayed good quickness in the open field despite his large 225-pound frame. He was also effective at making one cut and pushing the ball up the hash marks, helping to offset a poor run-blocking line.

It wasn't a spectacular performance by any means, but Green showed a lot of potential in his first shot at sustained NFL action.

Green is a big bruising back with an upright running style, who should effectively complement the Packers' potent passing attack in short-yardage situations. He's also an above-average pass blocker (despite his sophomore status in the NFL), thanks to his time in a pass-first offense at Hawaii in college.

But, fantasy owners aren’t interested in pass blocking, or really short downs for that matter, just yards and touchdowns. Don’t worry though, if Benson is out for an extended period of time, Green will have plenty of chances to rake in both.

Green is the kind of steady presence who will pound his way to two or three yards every touch, and then every once in a while – like he showed in Sunday’s game – he’ll break off a big run.

Leg injuries can be tricky, especially for running backs, so if possible, make Green your No. 1 wavier priority this week. Until Benson comes back, he’ll be a reliable fantasy starter.